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The Cardinals Allegedly Hacked the Astros Database, Why?

By Eric Huysman

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Do you remember this past season when there was a data breach of the Astros database “Ground Control” where they keep information on players, trade offers, and other sensitive information? Most of the information that was leaked was trade talk text messages between the Astros and other teams. The leaked information was posted on the website Deadspin.com.

In an article by Brian McTaggart last June, the Astros released the following statement regarding the breach.

"“It is unfortunate and extremely disappointing that an outside source has illegally obtained confidential information,” the statement read. “While it does appear that some of the content released was based on trade conversations, a portion of the material was embellished or completely fabricated.”-Astros."

Part of the leak involved a trade offer from the Marlins, Giancarlo Stanton for George Springer and Carlos Correa. Obviously that trade never happened and showed the faith that the Astros have in the two players. This was one of the most embarrassing parts of the leak. Not necessarily for the Astros, but that the Marlins were once again wanting to save money by unloading their impending free-agent cash cow.

Here is the statement from MLB today.

In the a quote from Michael Schmidt from the New York Times, Cardinals Face FBI Inquiries in the Hacking of Astros Network.

"“Investigators have uncovered evidence that Cardinals officials broke into a network of the Houston Astros that housed special databases the team had built, according to law enforcement officials. Internal discussions about trades, proprietary statistics and scouting reports were compromised, the officials said.”-Michael Schmidt."

Is there any relationship between the hacking and the fact that Jeff Luhnow used to be a part of the Cardinal’s organization? Had Luhnow created some waves in the Cardinal organization that were not resolved? Was this a rogue Cardinal executive trying to embarrass Luhnow? What are the Cardinals saying about this?

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This reminds me of a personal experience, and I’m going to leave school and person’s name out. I was packing up at one of my old schools I worked at, and as I was wheeling my stuff out the door, a school administrator checked my stuff to see if I was taking any school property.

Could this be the case with the Astros hack? Could they have wanted to see if Luhnow took any Cardinals data with him? The Astros had “Ground Control,” which was similar to the “Redbird” program the Cardinals used.

It is believed that someone within the Cardinals organization used their personal computer at home and used the password of Luhnow or one of the former Cardinals officials who came with him to the Astros front office. This was discovered by the F.B.I. after the Astros asked for help in deciding who hacked “Ground Control.” There has not been any type of disciplining of the official involved until the case is looked into further.  These ideas come from this article.

Ok, I get the checking to see if Luhnow was using their information by a Cardinal executive, but why leak all the information to the public? The fact that the conversations were leaked to the public means that it was an attempt to tarnish the reputation of Jeff Luhnow. It is well known that many people did not like Luhnow’s rise in the Cardinal’s organization and the ideas he brought to the table.

It is very surprising that a team with as much success as the Cardinals have had would stoop this low. The Patriots have had success with the accusation of cheating several times. What does this mean for the Astros, in that something that has caused them to look bad in the past is now absolved a little? They received two black eyes last year with the Brady Aiken situation (which they were right about) and the data breach (not necessarily their fault). Some insight this year removes some of the blame from them, and it’s a good/fun/interesting time to be an Astros fan.

Next: Domingo Santana, Where are You?

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